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Thread Vein Treatment Sclerotherapy / VPL / Diathermie
What are thread veins? |
Thread veins are very
prevalent, affecting over 55% of women. They range from very fine red lines
only clearly visible through a magnifying lens to networks of very unsightly
dark purple veins which are exceedingly difficult
to
conceal. |
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How can they be treated?
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In general we can divide thread veins into two groups - Facail thread veins and Leg thread veins. Sclerotherapy, the oldest technique, is still perhaps the best (see below) but is not always applicable for very fine vessels. Here we advise the Energist
ULTRATM variable pulsed light (VPL) machine or even very light Diathermie .
In the legs we see thicker thread veins and on the whole recommend Sclerotherapy. It is sometimes possible to use Scleortherapy on the face but here the vessels are much finer and the VPL machine comes into iits own. The VPL technique is however much slower and more expensive. For best results we may suggest combining different treatments. |
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Are the treatments successful?
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All techniques have
their advantages and disadvantages but here at Lonsdale Clinics we are
confident that the combination of treatments used represent state of the art
current thread vein therapies, and we can confidently assure patients that the
cosmetic appearance of the areas treated will be greatly
enhanced. |
Are there any reasons why I should avoid treatment?
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| Contra-indications are
pregnancy, epilepsy, and the use of anti-coagulants or a
pacemaker.. |
How are thread veins caused? - Legs
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Much of the
development of thread veins is due to the hormone oestrogen - hence the
reason that they are a greater problem for women than for men. The oral
contraceptive pill, together with hormone replacement therapy, can be a
contributing factor to their development. Pregnancy renders women more prone
to the formation of thread veins because of the higher oestrogen levels at
this time, but also because of the increased pressure on the venous system
of the legs due to the weight of the baby.
Incidence is also
increased in those who, because of their occupations, need to stand up for
periods of time.
Trauma can produce
thread veins, since tissue damage and bruise formation due to injury appear
to render a person prone to their development; surgery for varicose veins
may in theory cause thread veins since the removal of large leg veins
substantially changes the venous pressure within the legs. This may be
implicated in the formation of fine thread veins. However the relationship
between varicose veins and the development of thread veins is not clear -
men for example with varicose veins often have no thread veins before or
after surgery. It is now not thought necessary to have varicose veins
treated first. |
How are thread veins caused? - Face
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| Undoubtedly heredity
plays a part but exposure to cold weather seems to affect a lot of people,
particularly those engaged in outdoor work or pursuits. |
Sclerotherapy
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The sclerotherapy
process involves a fine needle which is inserted just beneath the skin,
introducing a sclerosing agent into the thread veins themselves, which flushes
through the network of thread veins near to the site of introduction,
temporarily displacing red blood with the clear solution. The sensation is
slightly prickly but seldom causes pain. Next, pressure is applied to the site
of the injection and to the extent of the flush, trapping the sclerosant
inside the veins for 20 to 30 seconds to aid its destructive effect on the
vessel.
Sclerotherapy works by
causing an irritation to the inside lining of the thread vein which damages
the wall of the vessel. Since blood does not circulate through damaged vessels
it has a tendency to clot inside them. The body recognises the clogged vein as
being damaged, and responds by resorbing it, leaving clear
skin. |
Aftercare...
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For 24 to 48 hours after
treatment the site may be red and raised, simulating a nettle rash. Patients
need to be made aware that although this soon fades, a darkened, perhaps
blackened and at first more unsightly vein is left which then disappears, the
whole course taking approximately six to eight weeks. The larger the vein, the
more pronounced the darkening will be. |
Possible post treatment problems...
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Each vein can react
differently to sclerotherapy, therefore it is important that patients are not
given unreasonable expectations regarding the treatment. Depending on the
extent of the problem, several sessions may be ecessary before a significant
improvement is seen.
Pigmentation which looks
like tea stains is sometimes experienced after treatment, usually caused at
the site of insertion of the needle where a tiny quantity of blood leaks out
from the blood vessel, resembling a mark from a brown felt tip pen. This is
the result of the deposition of haemosiderin within the tissues and can take
several months to fade.
A rare complication of
sclerotherapy is telangiectatic matting. This is where a very fine network of
thread veins have formed in the vicinity of the destruction of a large thread
vein. It appears they are produced to accommodate the redistribution of the
pressure of blood within that vicinity. |
How much does the treatment cost?
(GBP)
Body Area |
1st Treatment |
2nd and Subsequent Treatments |
Course of 5 |
Double Pulse |
Cheeks |
110 |
90 |
415 |
460 |
Full Face |
165 |
145 |
675 |
745 |
Part Face |
90 |
70 |
290 |
320 |
Chest |
195 |
165 |
770 |
850 |
Mid Section - two sides of torso or abdomen |
195 |
165 |
770 |
850 |
Legs (2) |
275 |
265 |
1240 |
1364 |
*Prices/details may be subject to change without notice
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